Franklin, TN – September 10, 2017 – Michael Tokaruk of Collierville, TN, scored big at the Brownland Farm Fall I Horse Show taking home the top prizes in both the hunter derby and the Grand Prix this past week.

Kicking off the weekend, Tokaruk rode Major, owned by the Sleepy P Ranch, to the top of the leaderboard in the $5,000 Brownland Farm Hunter Derby with a high score of 89. Tokaruk has had a great partnership with Major since taking on the talented sale horse. At the Colorado Horse Park, Tokaruk rode Major to the top spot in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. While on the road, the duo has earned top ribbons and championships in the Performance Working Hunters, including a championship during WCHR week at Equifest in Chicago. Tokaruk is always impressed by the scope of the horse and the ease of the high options in the derbies.

“Thanks to everyone at Tokaruk Show Stables and of course to the owners, Sleepy P Ranch, for all of your help and support!” said Tokaruk. “He (Major) is a really special horse and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to show and sell him!"

Left: Michael Tokaruk and Major were victorious in the $5,000 Brownland Hunter Derby. Photo Lili Weik

Michael Tokaruk and Major.

Michael Tokaruk and Ilan in the $25,000 Brownland Grand Prix

Michael Tokaruk and Ilan in the winner's circle for the $25,000 Brownland Grand Prix.

Tokaruk continued his winning streak in the $25,000 Brownland Grand Prix on Ilan, owed by Maarten Huygens of Wellington, Florida. The pair jumped double clean out of 29 entries to claim the top spot in the Grand Prix ring, making this Tokaruk's 14th career Grand Prix win. Tokaruk claimed a second place with Ilan in the 1.40m jumpers earlier in the week. Ilan is a new ride for Tokaruk, having just added the horse to his string about a month ago.

Tokaruk enlisted the help of Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor, who came to Tokaruk Show Stables to work with the Grand Prix horses before heading to Brownland.

"She is so helpful and knowledgeable," said Tokaruk. "I'm very fortunate to have someone of her stature to help me from time to time!"

“With everything going on in the world today, it really makes me appreciate how lucky I am to do what I do,” added Tokaruk. “I’m so grateful to ride such amazing horses and work with great people every day! Thank you to owner Maarten Huygens for sending this amazing horse named Ilan to show and sell! He was so good in just our second show ever with a tough course and a very competitive $25,000 class.”

Tokaruk’s multiple rides in the Grand Prix included a first grand prix for Alex Turner’s Vanrock, who finished in 8th place. Vanrock also took third in the $5,000 Welcome Stake earlier in the week with Tokaruk in the irons.

Tokaruk also piloted Hit Me Van’t Zorgvliet in the Grand Prix, owed by Ilan Ferder, to finish in 11th.

"It's so beautiful here at Brownland Farm and they put on such a nice horse show," added Tokaruk. "We love coming to Franklin- it's a beautiful area of the country and close to home, it's very convenient for us and the customers."

Virginia Connors and Karma celebrate a Championship in the Low Adult Jumpers with Michael Tokaruk.

Tokaruk Show Stables also congratulates Karma, owned by Virginia Connors, on a Reserve Championship in the 1.15m Jumpers with Tokaruk in the tack. Connors took home a Championship in the Low Adult Jumpers on Karma as well after placing 3rd in Classic and added a Reserve Championship in the Training Jumpers to their ribbon collection.

Tokaruk Show Stables plans to show at the second week of Brownland as long as the hurricane weather cooperates and then will show at Split Rock in Ohio and then to Tryon for some FEI classes.

Tokaruk Show Stables always has a selection of quality show horses for sale. Contact them for more information to find your next winner.

About Tokaruk Show StablesTokaruk Show Stables trains and sells hunters, equitation horses, and jumpers.They focus on teaching horses and riders to be their best — at some of the biggest horse shows across North America. Michael Tokaruk and the team at Tokaruk Show Stables work with quality horses and ponies and cater to serious riders in the Memphis and Mid-South region.

The facility is located in Collierville, Tennessee with 24 large stalls with plenty of lush grass paddocks for turnout. They have a large all weather sand ring and several large grass fields for riding. Horses receive the finest training, care, feed, and daily attention as they are valuable athletes and are treated as such. Michael and the TSS staff customize a training and care program for every horse to suit its individual needs.

Michael's ability to ride earns him quality horses for sale that he successfully campaigns and promotes until sold. Contact him to sell or buy your next quality show horse.